What to Expect and Pack for Treatment

What to Expect Before Your First Visit

Mountain View Health is an adult outpatient clinic, so you attend sessions and return home afterward. You do not stay overnight, and there is no room to pack for.

Admissions answers 24/7. You can call to talk through your situation, ask questions, and start a free benefits check before you decide on anything.

You do not need to have everything figured out before you call. Admissions will explain the next step and what to bring.

What a Week of Outpatient Treatment Looks Like

How much time you spend each week depends on the level of care. A clinical assessment helps decide which level fits you.

Intensive outpatient (IOP) has morning, afternoon, and evening tracks, and virtual IOP has daytime and evening tracks. Individual and group therapy are part of the program.

• Partial hospitalization (PHP): 25 to 30 hours a week over 5 to 6 days
• Intensive outpatient (IOP) and virtual IOP: 9 to 12 hours a week over 3 to 5 days
• Outpatient (OP): 1 to 3 hours a week over 1 to 3 days
• Therapies include CBT and DBT skills for cravings, relapse prevention, and distress tolerance

What to Bring to a Visit

Pack light and plan for a few hours of sessions. Bring what keeps you comfortable and what the clinic needs to get you started.

• Government-issued photo ID
• Your insurance card
• A current list of your medications and doses
• A notebook and pen for notes and homework
• A water bottle and a snack for longer days
• Comfortable clothing you can sit in for group sessions
• A phone charger if you use a phone for scheduling

What Not to Bring

Substances and anything that could put you or others at risk do not belong at a treatment visit. If you are unsure about an item, ask admissions before you come.

• Alcohol, illicit substances, or medication that was not prescribed to you
• Weapons of any kind
• Large sums of cash or valuables you do not need

How to Prepare Your Family and Employer

A few conversations before you start can lower the logistical stress. You do not have to share your specific diagnosis, and you have a legal right to medical privacy.

With your employer, you may be eligible for FMLA (federal) or Washington's Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) to protect your job. Our leave guide covers both in detail.

With your family, share as much as you are comfortable with. Tell them you are getting help, when they can reach you, and who they can call with questions.

• File FMLA or PFML paperwork before you start if possible
• Tell your manager you have scheduled medical appointments
• Choose an emergency contact who knows your schedule
• Let one or two trusted people know you are starting treatment
• Check your insurance benefits so there are no surprises